Articles posted September 26, 2009

Headlines and features from the Thoroughbred industry

With champion jockey Garrett Gomez aboard, Indescribable moved into contention approaching the final turn, put the challenge to pacesetter Whirlie Bertie, and drew off in mid-stretch to win the Kentucky Cup Distaff (gr. III) by 3-1/2 lengths.

Sumacha'hot, a Maryland-bred who was claimed for $5,000 a year ago, came charging down the stretch to win the $190,000 Jim McKay Maryland Million Classic, the Sept. 26 headliner on Laurel Park's 12-race Maryland Million Day card.

Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Furthest Land, claimed for $35,000 less than a year ago, paid big dividends for his connections Sept. 26 as he ran down Dubious Miss in the final strides to win the $200,000 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) by a neck at Turfway Park.

Two-time champion Indian Blessing notched her first victory of the season and earned her way back to the Breeders' Cup World Championships by outdueling Sara Louise in a thrilling finish to win the $150,000 Gallant Bloom Handicap (gr. II) by a head Sept. 26 at Belmont Park. It was the Bob Baffert trainee's second consecutive win in the 6 1/2-furlong contest.

Rip Van Winkle held off a stubborn Zacinto in the final furlong to claim his second group I victory of the season, taking the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Eng-I) by a determined 1 1/4-lengths at Ascot Sept. 26.

Making her stakes debut, Chiefswood Stable's Aurora Lights shot through a big opening along the rail turning for home and outran Milwaukee Appeal and Hooh Why to spring an upset in the $263,000 Selene Stakes (Can-III) Sept. 26 at Woodbine.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced that Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., has been fully accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance following a complete review of all racing operations at the facility. Turfway Park is the 10th racing facility to be so designated by the Alliance.